Colin Matthews: Chartered Psychologist

Book Prescription Scheme

Colin Matthews was instrumental in developing the Poole Book Prescription Scheme in 2005. The scheme was developed locally from the Cardiff Book Prescription Scheme designed by Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Neil Frude, and rolled out to GPs and mental health practitioners such as psychologists and counsellors.

Professor Frude recognised that, although people had a need and a desire for self-help books to help them with psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, it was difficult for them to determine what books would provide them with good quality advice. For example, a search on Amazon for books on Depression returns just under 6,000 results.

Neil canvassed psychology colleagues throughout the UK and asked them which books they found most helpful for clients. He then catagorised the books under headings such as Anger, Anxiety, OCD and PTSD. A list of around 35 books which psychologists considered effective for mental heath issues was compiled.

So that people could be encouraged to use the scheme, Neil asked the local libraries to stock the books and provided professionals with a 'prescription pack' containing the booklist, book descriptions and a prescription pad. Professionals and patients would decide which book was most useful for them and the patient would then be given a 'prescription' with the book title which they could exchange for the book at their local library.

The scheme was launched in Cardiff in 2003 and replicated in Poole in November, 2005. In the first year of the scheme, there were over 1200 issues or renewals of books on the scheme by Poole Libraries. The scheme continues to form an effective part of Bournemouth and Poole PCT's stepped care approach to mental health problems.

The scheme is also available in parts of Dorset. Bournemouth Libraries also stock copies of the books on the list.

Enquiries from professionals about the Poole scheme should be made to the Project Group on 01202 633385. Members of the general public should ask their health practitioner or Poole Library staff for details of the books in the scheme.